Butane - Drug and Alcohol Office Butane Butane and the law The WA Taskforce on Butane Misuse In July 2006, the Minister for Health established the WA Taskforce on Butane Misuse. The role of the taskforce was to investigate the extent of problems associated with the misuse of butane, together with the potential strategies to reduce the supply, demand and harm associated with butane misuse. The WA Taskforce on Butane Misuse: Report and Recommendations (PDF 360KB) comprises a comprehensive investigation into butane misuse, its harms, the prevalence and patterns of use in Western Australia, and the benefits and risks of potential strategies.

The taskforce proposed a 10-point plan of action across a range of areas from policing to education and emergency responses to treatment, to reduce the harms caused by butane misuse in Western Australia, including: Legislation - to police supply effectively Policing - to support local communities Voluntary retailer action – to restrict supply Education - targeted to young people, parents and professionals Media coverage - to avoid inadvertently advertising products for misuse Product safety - to monitor opportunities for improvement Emergency responses - to vigorously promote the right responses by young people Treatment - to be made available when it is needed Monitoring and research - to target strategies Organisation and co-ordination - to ensure action occurs. While butane was the primary focus of the Taskforce, many of the recommendations apply more broadly to volatile substance use and young people in general. As butane is one of the most dangerous volatile substances with respect to the risk of death, particularly sudden death, it remains the focus of many broader volatile substance use strategies that have since been implemented. [back to top] What is butane? Butane is a hydrocarbon and a highly flammable, colourless, odourless, easily liquefied gas.

It is typically used as fuel for cigarette lighters and portable stoves, a propellant in aerosols, a heating fuel, a refrigerant, and in the manufacture of a wide range of products. Butane is also found in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Since 1987, hydrocarbons have replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant used in most aerosols. Butane is one of the commonly used propellants in household and industrial aerosols and therefore can be found in numerous aerosol products. However, the packaging of many aerosols products will commonly identify the propellant as ‘hydrocarbon’, not specifically identifying butane. [back to top] Availability Butane is available in products such as cigarette lighters, cigarette lighter refills and a wide range of aerosol sprays. Cigarette lighter refill cans are the most commonly misused butane product along with cigarette lighters and butane cartridges (used for portable stoves). Therefore, products containing butane are widely available from a range of retail outlets including supermarkets, newsagencies, delicatessens, tobacconists, hardware stores, camping stores and discount retail outlets.

Some other aerosols are also misused specifically for the propellant rather than the contents, such as vegetable oil cooking sprays. For information about the effects of butane see What is VSU? page of this website. Harms Butane is regarded as one of the more harmful volatile substances to inhale. Butane gas can cause what is known as ‘sudden sniffing death’, which occurs as a result of cardiac arrhythmia/arrest if the person is stressed or does heavy exercise during or soon after using. Butane sensitises the heart to the effects of adrenalin to the point where sudden exercise or alarm can cause a cardiac arrest (d’Abbs and MacLean, 2000) . For this reason it is important not to chase or frighten people who may be using butane. Sudden sniffing death from butane can occur from the direct toxic effects, cardiac effects (i.e. ventricular fibrillation/cardiac arrest), or central nervous system (CNS) depression (e.g. respiratory depression). The majority of volatile substance-related deaths are associated with aerosols or gas fuels, such as butane or propane, many of which are from sudden sniffing death.

Death can also be caused by method of use. Spraying directly into the mouth can cause the larynx to go into spasm, blocking off the air supply to the lungs and causing suffocation. This is because propellant gases, when released, are at an extremely low temperature. Other harms related to butane include injuries due to accidents or taking risks while intoxicated. There is also a risk of serious burn injury from fire or explosion as butane is highly flammable. High levels of use within a short period of time can lead to depressed breathing and loss of consciousness. In this state, a person using butane is at risk of choking if they vomit. For more information about how to reduce harms, see the Harm Reduction page of this website. [back to top] Butane and the law Possession and use of butane, like other volatile substances is not illegal as the products themselves are not illegal substances. However, it is illegal under Section 206 of the WA Criminal Code 1913, to sell or supply volatile substances to someone where it is reasonable to suspect that they will use it for intoxication purposes.

A Code of Conduct - Supply of Volatile Substances has been developed which encourages retailers to display butane products out of the reach of customers and to be particularly aware when selling butane products to minors. For more information, see the Retailers and industry page of this website. The Protective Custody Act (2000) allows police to take an intoxicated person to a safe place or place them into protective custody until a parent, guardian or responsible adult has been located. It also allows police to confiscate intoxicating substances from juveniles. For more information, see the Law page of this website. Date last modified - 11 March 2013 Butane - CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science Butane Disclaimer and references Butane is a flammable hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C4H10. It is a natural gas perhaps best known for its use as a fuel for refillable and disposable lighters. Butane's uses can be observed in many sectors of life . It is a reliable source of energy , and can be obtained through the processing of natural gas. Butane is an organic compound known as an NGL, a Natural Gas Liquid.

This gas was discovered by motorists in the early 20th century, when they realized that they were only managing to use a portion of the gasoline they had purchased before it evaporated. These bikers were upset to find their tanks much emptier than they had expected. Outraged, they brought this information to Dr. Walter Snelling. In 1910, he began to research this odd phenomenon, and later teamed up with the U.S. Bureau of Mining to continue his investigation. One year later, Snelling was able to isolate the evaporating liquid, thus discovering propane and butane. Shortly after, a method for converting butane gas into liquid was invented. This discovery continues to influence the world today. [1] Contents Properties Cylindrical gas canisters containing compressed butane in its liquid form. Butane is a hydrocarbon with a formula of C4H10, which means it contains 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. This gas is considered an alkane , which means it is a member of the alkanine series, a grouping of ". .

.non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbons." [2] To put it simply, the alkanine series contains hydrocarbons with only one carbon-carbon bond. Butane's more closely related alkanes are propane, isobutane, and pentane. Butane remains as a gas at normal room temperature. It has a low molecular weight and appears as a colorless gas. It has a molar mass of 58.12 grams per mole, and has a density of 0.579 grams per milliliter. This gas has a melting point of -138 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 0 degrees Celsius . It is highly combustible and flammable when it is released into the air, and is prone to creating explosions or flash fires . When it is in a compressed liquid form, butane has the potential to cause frostbite or freezeburn when touched. This gas has the ability to become a liquid rapidly when placed into a compressed container, like the orange canisters it is often transported in. Though butane is one of many different types of natural gas, it is one of the few that only releases carbon dioxide as a useless byproduct, instead of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.

[3] Butane is also known as a paraffin gas, which means that it is a hydrocarbon . [4] The classification of being a paraffin gas means that butane's flame can resemble a candle's flame. This can be observed when butane is compressed into a cigarette lighter and ignited. Occurrences Butane naturally occurs in crude petroleum and more commonly in natural gas. Because of this, butane is known as an NGL, which stands for "natural gas liquid." NGLs are byproducts of natural gas processing. Natural gas processing isolates the pure natural gas by removing all of the assorted hydrocarbons and fluids. It is a complex four-step process, which begins with the removal of oil and condensate, then water removal, glycol dehydration, and finally ends with solid-desiccant dehydration. The isolation of butane occurs during this procedure. After the NGLs are separated from the natural gas, they must undergo fractionation. This process sorts out the individual components in the NGL stream.

This process involves the Deethanizer, which isolates the ethane, Depropanizer, which isolates the propane, Debutanizer, which separates the butane via boiling, and Deisobutanizer, which separates the normal butanes from the iso. Each of these processes are necessary to produce butane, and more importantly, the dry natural gas that can be transported through pipelines and used commercially. [5] Uses A Glassmaker uses a butane torch, a handy device that takes advantage of butane's flammability. Freshly after it was discovered by Dr. Walter Snelling in 1912, butane was used as fuel. This was done by storing the butane in bottles and then placing it into residential buildings for both warmth and power. [6] Today, butane has a wide variety of uses, the most common of which can be found in the cigarette lighter. Butane serves as fuel for both the disposable and refillable lighter. Butane is used in this item for its high flammability and its low cost to produce. The butane torch is another item that takes advantage of its flammable properties .

The butane torch is most commonly used for craft projects, glass making, certain plumbing projects that require heat and caramelizing desserts in the kitchen. Campers can make use of butane while using portable grills. In these cases, the butane is stored in a gas canister. Gas canisters prove to be quite effective for storing butane because of its ability to easily compress. Cordless hair straighteners or irons make use of butane gas canisters as well. Propane and other substances can combine with butane to form liquefied petroleum gas , otherwise known as LPG. LPG is found in the manufacturing of petrochemicals, which are used in various heating appliances, in fuel for vehicles, and can be used in aerosol cans. In its purest state, butane is used as a refrigerant and can be used for calibrating instruments. Butane has replaced the use of methane derivatives in household refrigerators due to the risk methane places on the ozone layer . Surprisingly, adding butane to gasoline does not increase the gasoline's flammability, but enhances its quality and performance.

This hydrocarbon is also used as a food additive [7] Natural Gas Butane is a component of natural gas, a vital fuel for the energy the world requires. Natural gas lacks color, odor, and shape. Though this could be a description for many different gases, natural gas has an exceptional capability that sets it apart from others. Natural gas is combustible , and when it is burned it emits a large amount of energy. Besides producing a copious amount of energy,when burned natural gas produces few harmful emissions (byproducts), and is a relatively clean process. Because of these characteristics, natural gas has become an integral source for human's need of energy. Natural gas has proven to be so valuable to the world that practically every component of daily life involves natural gas in some way or another. Humans have an insatiable need for energy. We need it for cooking food, for staying warm, for entertainment, for production of materials, for transportation, for electricity, and much more. This enormous demand for energy initiated the search for alternative means to obtain it. Thus, natural energy was introduced. Presently, the energy gained from the use of natural gas ". .

.accounts for 24 percent of total energy consumed in the United States, making it a vital component of the nation's energy supply," [8] according to the Energy Information Administration. The significance of natural energy increased as the world realized its potential. Nowadays, natural gas is mainly used in the industrial sector, and secondly used in residential areas. Of course, the uses of natural gas are not limited to just these two sectors, but can be found in every area of modern living. After it is removed of all impurities natural gas practically runs the world. [9] Video Fireball experiment with a little help from a butane torch. References What's In a Cigarette? | American Lung Association > Stop Smoking > Smoking Facts What's In a Cigarette? There are approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes. When burned, they create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are poisonous. Many of these chemicals also are found in consumer products, but these products have warning labels. While the public is warned about the danger of the poisons in these products, there is no such warning for the toxins in tobacco smoke.

Here are a few of the chemicals in tobacco smoke and other places they are found: Acetone – found in nail polish remover Acetic Acid – an ingredient in hair dye Ammonia – a common household cleaner Arsenic – used in rat poison Benzene – found in rubber cement Butane – used in lighter fluid Cadmium – active component in battery acid Carbon Monoxide – released in car exhaust fumes Formaldehyde – embalming fluid Your Guide to Fixing Butane Torches | eBay Your Guide to Fixing Butane Torches Share July 1, 2014 Anyone can use a butane torch . Also known as a micro torch , the butane torch features a compact size that makes soldering jobs a cinch. However, you probably do not know as much about the care and maintenance of your butane torch as you know about putting it into use. Like any tool in your repertoire, a butane torch proves more valuable if you take time to learn about how it works and file away a few repair tricks. In no time at all, you can get your butane torch back up and running, soldering jewelry, vehicles, and other pieces, parts, and appliances.

As you learn about using and fixing butane torches, devote as much focus to learning how to make repairs safely to avoid serious injury. Types of Fuel If you are still shopping around for a torch , you might want to get a better idea of how butane compares to propane , one of the most widely used types of fuel. Fuel Commonly found in cigarette lighters and camp stoves Used as propellant in aerosols Cheaper than propane More efficient than propane by approximately 12 percent Not as common as propane Used to fuel vehicles as well as heat houses Less efficient than butane Your purchasing decision should come down to affordability as well as quality. Butane offers both, along with the advantage of getting more bang for your buck. Because butane is more efficient than propane, you can carry less butane and get even more out of it. Preventative Maintenance As any good doctor says, the best protection against problems is preventative care. Periodic cleaning and more intensive maintenance keeps your butane torch functioning and helps it last as long as possible. Most problems with butane torches trace back to dirt and other gunk clogging the flame nozzle.

After finishing up with your torch, let it cool off, and then blow compressed air into the top part of the torch. Never spray compressed air while your butane torch is ignited. Storage factors into how well your butane torch functions over time. Store the torch in a clean and dry location, such as on a shelving unit in your basement. Do not place your butane torch on cement floors. Those floors get dirty and cold, which can impair the torch after prolonged exposure. Finally, make a point to keep a little bit of fuel in your butane torch during storage. Drawing on and recycling a small amount of fuel helps many micro torches retain functionality for longer, much in the same way mechanics recommend never letting your automobile sit for long periods with an empty gas tank. Common Fixes for Butane Torches When your butane torch malfunctions, the fix is usually simple and linked to a common problem. Whining Noise Novices make the simple mistake of complaining about a hissing or whining noise when using their butane torch. More often than not, this sound occurs because you are holding the torch's flame too close to the surface of a metal. Power up your torch and look carefully at the flame.

The outer flame glows a dark blue, while the inner flame is lighter and more solid. The tip of that inner flame is the sweet spot, or the hottest part of the flame. Move the torch so the tip of the inner flame comes into contact with the metal you are working, rather than stuffing the entire flame against the material. Poor Fuel Consumption If your torch seems to burn through fuel, you might panic and believe you have a defective product. While that can happen, the more likely scenario is that you do not know how to fill your butane torch with fuel properly. First, always fill your torch with butane outside. Butane requires strong ventilation. Now turn the torch upside down and look for a filling point. Pop the top off your butane canister and connect it to the torch's filling point. Should any fuel leak out while filling, immediately stop and adjust the knob on your torch that controls butane flow. How to Buy Butane Torches and Repair Supplies on eBay You can find butane torches as well as torch kits , butane fuel for torches and lighters , and micro torches on offer from eBay's Top Sellers. Begin your search by navigating to any eBay page and locating the search bar.

Enter general search terms such as "butane torch" for a broad list of results, or aim for specific products by entering specific search terms, such as " Jet Torch Lighter ." eBay's Top Sellers also offer used products. If you buy used, read product descriptions carefully to make sure you receive a torch in working order, as defects can prove dangerous while the torch is in use. Butane torches can fix all sorts of things, but who fixes the butane torch? With a little know-how and planning, you can. Tags: Types of Lighters | stdupontlighters Types of Lighters Types of Lighters A lighter is a portable device that ignites or generates flames. It consists of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable fluid or pressurized liquid gas which is a means of ignition. This is very much convenient than in the old days where you need to use woods or stones, no need to work hard just to get a fire started with lighters. There are different types of lighter fluid and these are: Butane, Naphtha, Kerosene and Smarter Starter Fluid/Charcoal Lighter Fluid. BUTANE – This is one of the most commonly used and easily accessible lighter fluids.

Butane is a derivative of natural gas that becomes liquid when compressed. It is found in outdoor grills, torches and cigarette lighters. NAPHTHA – Naphtha is a hydrocarbon that is extracted from crude oil. This is an alternative for butane and is highly flammable. It is used in some wick type lighters. KEROSENE – This is another popular multi-use lighter fluid. Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is also known as paraffin in the UK, Southeast Asia and South Africa. It is used to power jet engines of aircrafts, cooking and lighting fuel and for fire toys such as poi. SMARTER STARTER FLUID/CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID – Charcoal Fluid is generally made of a mixture of kerosene and naphtha. Made from natural ingredients and it is mainly used as an alternative to kerosene for cooking with charcoal grills. This type of fluid is extremely flammable. TYPES OF LIGHTERS: LIGNE 2 CHAMPAGNE LIGHTER – This is the most expensive lighter in the world which costs $79,000.00.

This lighter is made of an 18 carat white gold and lined with 462 diamonds. ST Dupont Lighter has become one of the most distinctive butane lighters available today. This is a top choice amongst smoking aficionados worldwide. This is a true luxury and a very elegant lighter with an extremely high level of craftsmanship and reliability. TURBO SHAGREEN – This lighter features both elegant style and powerful functionality which includes a turbo gas mechanism. The shape is inspired by the unique sports lighters sold by Alfred Dunhill in the 1920’s. PRESTIGE AND INITIATED – Is one of the rarest lighters in the world from Cartier. The Dragon on this lighter reaches out over the cover of an 18 carat gold body that features lacquered clouds and 816 diamonds. AZEN NEO – This lighter has a Lexan casing that protects it from water infiltration. It has an adjustable flame and a storm proof design that lights fire even in the worst weather. This lighter features a steel wire safety lock that seals out moisture and a see through fuel window. COLIBRI PERGUSA – This is inspired by Tonino Lamborghini.

It shares an elegant look and an ease of use compared to more expensive lighters. ZIPPO – The Zippo is one the most popular and recognizable lighter in U.S. history. It is a reusable, metal lighter which features a fuel soaked wick that you can dispose and replace. Zippos are known to stay lit even in harsh weathers. BIC – These lighters come in hundreds of styles, they are valuable and reliable disposable lighter. It is available in most convenient stores and department stores. RONSON – This lighter features an adjustable flame and an electronic ignition. It is once known for its stylish and dependable cigarette lighter line. VISOL – Known for their reliability and sleek designs, they feature elegance and style combined with a solid metal construction which lights a cigarette with a wind resistant turbo. It can also cut rope, open bottles and drive flat head screws. XICAR TRIPLE JET – The Xicar Triple Jet features a large fuel tank and combines a sleek transparent body design with solid metal construction and is great for outdoor usage and camping because it makes lighting much easier.

History of Lighters Ronson Standard De-Light 1947: The first gas fueled lighter, the Gentry - a table lighter, is introduced by the Quercia family owned Flaminaire Company and is shortly followed by a pocket model called the Crillion. An identical lighter was marketed under license in the USA by the Parker Pen Company - the Parker Flaminaire in the 1950s. The early butane lighters all used proprietary single use gas tanks. When the tank was empty, you bought another one - a good revenue stream for the manufacturers. Later this evolved to a system of refillable tanks that used proprietary cylinders to fill them - you had to buy the right gas cylinder for your lighter. A little further on butane gas could be bought from third party manufacturers - who often included adapters so you could refill any of several brands of lighters. Eventually almost all butane lighters used standardized filler mechanisms. In some cases, it is possible to still get the old lighters and work on the tanks to make them refillable and end up with a working lighter. 1961: The French Samec Company introduces the first disposable butane lighter - the Cricket.

The disposable lighter was to have almost as much a transforming effect on the lighter industry as the flint because it ushered in a new age of very cheap, disposable lighters and effectively put most of the makers of durable lighters out of business over a period of time. Cricket was acquired by Gillette (safety razors / blades) in 1970 and introduced in the USA in 1972. 1962: The first patent application for a piezoelectric lighter is submitted by Sapphire-Molectric - a subsidiary of Colibri - and designed by Hans Lowenthal and Martin Paul Levy. The second patent was submitted in Japan in 1964 by Mansei Koyo. The first piezoelectric to hit the market was the Maruman Business Table Lighter in 1966. The Colibri Moletric 80 was the earliest pocket size piezoelectric lighter - the Molectric 88, which came out 2 years later, is also pictured. This ushers in the piezoelectric ignition that replaces flint and a host of piezoelectric lighters in the mid-1960s through the 1970s.

Still very much in use, they are no longer as common as they once were. The name 'piezo' derives from the Greek 'piezen' meaning 'to press'. A piezoelectric device consists of a small, spring-loaded hammer which, when a button is pressed, hits a crystal of PZT or quartz crystal. Quartz is piezoelectric, which means that it creates a voltage when deformed. This sudden forceful deformation produces a high voltage and subsequent electrical discharge, which ignites the gas. The discovery of and earliest research on the phenomenon of piezoelectricity was in the mid-1800s. Many synthetic materials have also been produced to generate the piezoelectric effect. Electric Lighters A number of electric lighters and battery powered lighters have come and gone over the years. The biggest point is, they've gone and didn't stay long when they were here. Examples of electric and battery lighters are: The Tassel-Liter (circa 1935) which was made in Chicago, IL and was designed with a socket that screwed into a light bulb fixture. In turn the light bulb was screwed into the socket so you didn't lose a light fixture!

Wires from the socket then went to the lighter element, which has a tassel over it. The lighter was operational whether the light bulb was turned on or off. A button was pushed to bring current to the heating element in the tassel-Liter so a cigar or cigarette could be lit. The girl's head lighter (circa 1936) was typically found in tobacco shops - a bit suggestive for places with mixed company - and a cigar or cigarette was lit by using the heating element in the girl's mouth. Could Bill Clinton have been exposed to one of these as a youngster? A table model electrical lighter by the Tarrson Company of Chicago has a cigarette box built into it so one could get a cigarette out of the box, push the button on the lighter, and get a light. All of these units used a heating element that would get hot enough to ignite a cigar or cigarette. Battery powered lighters were used early on as table lighters - touch tips was the most common name for them. A Parker-Beacon Silent Flame lighter (mid-1930s) is shown. This particular lighter takes two D-Size batteries in the base.

The wand is removed and laid on one of the wires and the tip is touched against the statuette. This completes and electrical circuit with the batteries and causes a small coil in the tip of the wand to heat up enough to ignite a cigarette - exactly the same as cigarette lighters which used to be in cars. The German Fumalux was the first practical and commercially successful battery operated pocket lighter and it came out in the 1950s. It used a 2 volt battery for the power source and a heating coil to generate the heat to light the lighter fluid in a wick - rather than lighting the cigarette directly with the coil. This scheme required less power and allowed the battery to function long enough to be somewhat practical. These were sold worldwide under a number of brand names including Magna-Lux which was frequently seen in the USA. These lighters also included a light bulb so they had a flashlight function, as well. The fact that there weren't many models and that they are rarely seen is mute testimony to the fact that they just didn't work out. In the mid-1960s General Electric tried out a rechargeable cigarette lighter. It was large by pocket lighter standards.

Looking back and seeing only a single model of it, few advertisements for it, and no competitors provides ample evidence that it just didn't work out, either. As the photo shows, electric lighters are still with us - though still not very prominent. This is a model that plugs into a computer USB port to obtain power and currently available. In conclusion... Lighters developed along several lines and the basics have not changed. We can still find fusee lighters on eBay, though they haven't been in common use since the end of the 1940s. Old and early striker lighters are sought by collectors, but modern versions are widely available to this day. Flint and petrol lighters, dating from about 1908, are still made and easily available today. Catalytic lighters such as the now-long-discontinued New Method and Lektrolite are still available on eBay and, new ones, though difficult to find, are available as hand warmers.

The catalytic lighters have had several lives: they were widely used in the very early 1900s, fell out of favor, had a resurgence in the 1930s, fell out of favor again, and had what was most likely their 'last gasp' in the 1950s. There are books and more information available on the development and history of lighters if you want to know more. One of the best books at presenting the whole story is The Legend of the Lighter by Ad van Wert - out of print, but not too difficult to find - it is a beautiful, hard cover, coffee-table size book with wonderful pictures of lighters from the Dutch Lighter Museum Foundation's collection.

Photo Sources: Dobereiner's Lamp - Wikipedia & "The Legend of the Lighter"; safety matches(2) - eBay; Magic Pocket Lamp - thelampworks.com; strike anywhere matches - Frank Dutton; Auer von Welsbach - Wikipedia; Ronson Banjo - eBay; Flaminaire Gentry - abbeville.com; Flaminaire Crillion - liveauctioneers.com; original Cricket - cricketlighters.com; 1975 Cricket - eBay; Colibri Moletric 88 - photos1.blogger.com; Bowers Army & Navy, Ray-O-Lite catalytic, Park Sherman Lift Arm, Hahway Wheel, Last Longer, Ronson Standard De-Light, Magna-Lux, Parker Touch Tip, Wind King, New Method, Lancel Automatic, 'Match' striker - Frank Dutton; Nassau lighter - Larry Tolkin; neo-Lite - Amazon.com; Tassel-Liter, Tarrson Electric, open mouth girl - eBay Flammable Substances Facts & Tips | East Side Fire Department East Side Fire Department Flammable and combustible products are used for a wide variety of purposes and are commonly found in the home.

Gasoline is the most common, but there are other flammable and combustible liquids and gases used in the home including: paint solvents Many households use natural gas, propane or fuel oil heating. Each product poses a serious health or fire danger if not used and stored properly. Background Information A flammable liquid in its liquid state will not burn. It only will ignite when it vaporizes into a gaseous state. All flammable liquids give off vapors that can ignite and burn when an ignition source such as a lighted cigarette or spark is present. To understand the dangers associated with flammable liquids, it is useful to be familiar with the terms used to describe their chemical properties. They are: Flash point - The temperature at which a particular flammable liquid gives off vapors (vaporizes) and therefore can ignite. The flash point differs for each type of flammable liquid. Kerosene has a flash point of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Gasoline has a flash point of -40 degrees. This means that at 110 degrees or higher kerosene gives off flammable vapors and can ignite. However, gasoline requires a temperature of only -40 degrees to vaporize to cause an explosion or fire.

This means that when the temperature is freezing, gasoline still vaporizes and can cause an explosion and/or fire. At the same temperature, kerosene cannot ignite. Liquids such as gasoline with a flashpoint below 100 degrees are called flammable liquids. Kerosene and other liquids with a flash point above 100 degrees are referred to as combustible liquids. Flammable range refers to the percentage of a flammable liquid, in its gaseous state, to air to create an explosive mixture. This varies with different flammable liquids. Gasoline has a flammability range of 1.4 to 7.6 percent. This means it will ignite when there is 1.4 parts of gasoline mixed with 100 parts air. With this in mind, 1.4 percent is known as the lower flammable limit and 7.6 percent is the upper flammable limit of the flammable range. A product mixed with air below the low end of its flammable range is too lean to burn. A flammable liquid which exceeds its upper flammable limit is too rich to ignite. Ethylene oxide is extremely flammable.

It has a flammable range of 3.6 to 100 percent. This means it can burn even if there is no air. Gasoline has a narrow flammable range and is metered precisely in a vehicle's carburetor to obtain the desired flammable range. A vehicle will have trouble operating if the carburetor meters too much gasoline. This is referred to as a rich mixture, which is too concentrated for ignition by the spark plugs. Too little gasoline in a vehicle's carburetor is called a lean mixture, which is too diluted for ignition. The ignition temperature is the temperature required for a liquid to continue to emit vapors that can sustain combustion. Gasoline will ignite when a heat source or electrical spark of at least 853 degrees comes in contact with it. Natural gas (methane) needs an ignition temperature of around 1000 degrees and paint thinner 453 degrees. Vapor density is the weight of a vapor relative to the weight of air. The vapor density of natural gas causes it to be lighter than air and will rise when exposed in the open. The vapor density of gasoline is heavier than air and will seek low points when it is exposed to the air.

Products with a high vapor density (heavier than air) behave much like carbon dioxide gas escaping from a block of dry ice. (Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide gas.) A term used in the fire service is BLEVE. It is an acronym for "Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion." A BLEVE occurs when a confined liquid is heated above its atmospheric boiling point. The vapors expand and suddenly the container will explode. Gasoline and Other Flammable Liquids and Gases Gasoline Gasoline is the most common flammable liquid found in the home. Used carelessly or improperly, it is the main cause of burn injuries among teenage boys. Gasoline is highly volatile due to its low flash point and easily vaporizes when exposed to air. Because it is heavier than air, it can seek out ignition sources such as a pilot light from a water heater, an electrical spark from a hand tool, or a lit cigarette dropped on the ground. Use care when filling lawn mowers, chain saws and other power tools with gasoline. Don't refill a power tool with the engine running or while the manifold is hot. Use a funnel to pour the gas to avoid overfilling and spilling. If gasoline is spilled, allow it to vaporize completely.

This will maintain a dry surface and reduce the chance of ignition. Never fill gasoline in a confined space, indoors or in a closed garage. Never smoke around gasoline or other flammable liquids. Do not use it as a cleaning solvent or to remove grease and oil from automotive parts, your hands or clothing. Many people are seriously burned each year from these mistakes. Do not pour gasoline or other flammable liquids down the sink or into a storm drain. This creates an explosion potential. Do not store gasoline in the house. It should be kept in a detached garage or in an outside storage area. Be absolutely sure it is clear from any ignition source such as a water heater, washer or dryer. Do not put gasoline in a cup, glass jug or old bleach bottle. It should be stored in an approved container, which is of heavy duty construction, has a spring-loaded, self-closing handle and is equipped with a safety-relief plug. Don't store gasoline in the trunk or back of the car. If you need to carry fuel, make sure the cap is tightly closed, and fill the can only three-fourths full, leaving an air space for vapor expansion.

Kerosene Kerosene heaters are commonly used in many homes and businesses during colder months of the year to provide warmth. Kerosene is not as flammable as gasoline but just as dangerous. Fill a kerosene heater outdoors using a fill spout. Never fill a heating unit while hot and be sure the area is ventilated. Kerosene should be stored away from the home and any heat or ignition sources. It should be stored in an approved container like gasoline. Other flammable liquids and gases For health and safety reasons, paint should be used in a ventilated area. It should be stored in a secured can when not being used. Spray paint and paint solvents such as lacquer thinner, and paint brush cleaner are highly flammable and should be stored away from heat or ignition sources. Other cleaners such as naptha and toluene can be ignited by static electricity from one's clothing. These products should be stored in secured containers away from the home in a detached storage area. You may have a good reason to have benzine in the house - as a dry cleaning fluid or as a fluid for your cigarette lighter.

Even then, you should keep the smallest quantity possible on hand...in a tightly capped container...stored securely away in a cool place. Benzene (with an "e"), otherwise known as benzol, is a very serious fire and health hazard (a known carcinogen). Do not use or store it under any circumstances. Denatured alcohol may be required for some uses in the home, perhaps as a rubbing solution. While it is not quite as dangerous as some of the others, it is nonetheless highly flammable and should be used and stored with as much caution as any other flammable liquid. Many pesticides are not only poisonous, but are highly flammable. When using pesticides, be sure you are away from any heat or ignition source. Always keep pesticides in their original containers. Rags which have been used to wipe or clean petroleum products may spontaneously ignite. Cleaning rags soaked in oil, furniture polish, turpentine, or paint should be kept in a tightly-sealed metal container or thrown away immediately after use. Survival Actions Regarding Flammable Liquids Even if you have a small spill involving a flammable liquid, immediately open your windows to ventilate the area.

Do not use fans or other electrical devices, which might provide an ignition source and cause an explosion. If you get some of the liquid on your skin, remove the affected clothing and wash your skin with soap and water. Soak your clothes in water before washing them. If a large spill occurs, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1. A small fire involving a flammable liquid can be controlled with a class B fire extinguisher. Never try to extinguish a flammable liquid fire with water. This could cause the fire to spread. Do not try to control a fire involving compressed gases such as butane or propane. They are extremely dangerous. For a large fire involving a flammable liquid, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1. Return To Home

Question: Which fuel is commonly found in cigarette lighters?
Answer: Butane